By Fortune Abang
Abuja, Jan. 20, 2026 (NAN) Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye has stressed the need to deepen understanding of diplomatic terms and practices to improve Nigeria’s foreign relations and public discourse.
Enikanolaiye, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the National Defence College.
The former Permanent Secretary said diplomatic terms were frequently misused and misunderstood in publications and public discussions on Nigeria’s diplomacy.
He noted that such misinterpretations often created confusion and misrepresented Nigeria’s established diplomatic practices.
According to him, clearer explanations would benefit the media and the public by improving understanding of diplomatic concepts.
“Although diplomatic practice is universal, some national peculiarities, customs and traditions are respected by states in their interactions,” Enikanolaiye said.
He warned that failure to observe accepted practices could “give offence and create needless irritants” among sovereign states.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria’s diplomacy is guided by international conventions, Foreign Service Regulations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs directives.
“In international relations, precision of language and adherence to protocol are the bedrock of successful engagement,” he said.
He added that correct usage of diplomatic terms was essential for national prestige, effective governance and seamless diplomatic relations.
The envoy lamented widespread misuse, including misinterpretation of diplomatic immunity and confusion between career and political envoys.
“There is a clear need to bridge the gap between official protocol usage and public awareness,” he said.
Enikanolaiye explained that an embassy refers to a diplomatic mission, while the building is the chancery.
He said High Commissions operate between Commonwealth countries, while Consulates-General are subordinate missions outside capital cities.
He added that an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary has full authority to represent the Head of State internationally. (NAN)